TJ Watt Arrives in Pittsburgh

Despite a defensive-heavy draft class, three teams traded up to grab quarterbacks, the Bears, Chiefs and Texans. "The nerves on draft day will be real". They're won with high-caliber players.

The Steelers got just that with Watt. J.J. Watt is a perennial All-Pro defensive end for the Houston Texans.

Watt, a second-team All-American, recorded 15.5 tackles for loss past year. T.J.is just like his older brother. But will Watt be strong enough to play over tackles, even guards, in the Steelers' nickel defense?

During his sophomore campaign, Conner claimed the ACC Player of the Year award while setting the Pitt record for rushing touchdowns in a season with 26.

Watt had a strong final season with the Badgers with 59 total tackles and 11.5 sacks.

The neophyte linebacker still very much in the embryonic stage of his career will get his chance to step into his own with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Watt can develop into an eventual replacement for James Harrison.

The 6-foot-2, 240-pound Conner, who scored 56 touchdowns in 39 games at Pitt, opted to forgo his senior season to pursue his National Football League dream, and now he and the Steelers are hoping he returns to his 2014 form.

The 22-year-old Watt is the first Wisconsin defender selected in the first round since J.J. went 11th overall to Houston in 2011.

The two CBs the Steelers took are both big corners, and I expect at least one of them to switch to safety at some point. Watt fits well in Pittsburgh's 3-4 scheme, is tenacious and has loads of potential.

These picks made me smile. The Steelers struggled to generate any kind of consistent pressure on Brady, something they know they need to change if they want to end the Patriots' vice grip on the conference. He should contribute immediately as a situational pass rusher. He's still an ascending player.

"He has such good instincts, such a good nose for the ball - he's a natural playmaker", Watt said.

By the Steelers using a 3rd round pick on Conner, this means that they have big plans for him and that he can be a contributor on offense. Watt from Wisconsin. This pick makes sense for all the right reasons.

Dan Kadar, SB Nation: "Grade B+". As was the case in Cleveland, if Dobbs ever gets a rudder on his inconsistent but considerable talent, the Steelers just found their worthy successor to Ben Roethlisberger. "He's tough, he's smart, he's a guy who will come here and work every day". "He comes from a football family, which why it is exciting to have him be a part of the Steelers' family". Watt plays with the tremendous effort and passion we are used to from his surname.

The unbelievable story of Pitt running back James Conner added another chapter tonight. In his first year, Conner ran for 799 yards and scored eight touchdowns.